Welcome Burton Roadhouse

With a self-proclaimed passion for good music and a historic building, Stephen and Melissa Russell are launching the-opening-this-week Burton Roadhouse in Burton, Texas.

“We want to be known as a live music venue featuring original music,” the couple said.

They purchased the property, which looks like three individual buildings from the front. It had housed a bank, served as the city’s jail (complete with two cells) and had  been used as a special event space. But it had sat vacant for several years. They will offer a full bar and serve pizza and panini sandwiches.

“We like to think the original music, the historical building, the chef-prepared but reasonably priced menu will help us stand out,” Melissa said.

Stephen added “We want to treat this as an extension of our living space and welcome each guest as a stranger and hope they leave as a friend.”

The couple, who have owned property in the area for a couple of years, are embarking on their first joint business. Stephen  is as an engineer, while Melissa has worked in the service industry as well as an working as environmental, health and safety manager and paralegal. The Russells have hosted house concerts in the area for about six years, supporting the arts by hosting singer/songwriters who t write and perform original music.

Expect more of the same in this new location.

Burton Roadhouse Menu

Chef Tyler Boling will  be joined by a head bartender and about seven other employees who will be cross-trained for the new venue and bar. Chef Boling will make the crust, marinara, alfredo sauces that are the foundations of the house-made pizzas that will be cooked in the stone pizza oven at 650 degrees to guarantee a delicious dining experience. New dishes are anticipated with a continued focus on buying locally as much as possible, they said.

About the Burton Roadhouse building

The H. Knittel building was built in the 1800s; however, the original one, according to local lore, was burned to the ground out of jealousy forcing Mr. Knittel to rebuild in the late 1800s. The Roadhouse’s kitchen was the Burton State Bank before being used as a city office (with the jail cells).

About Burton

“We fell in love with this area,” they said. “Burton has amazing charm. The quiet little town is located conveniently between Austin and Houston and is well worth the stop along the way.”

They credit the town’s enthusiasm, with a special shout out to Jeff and Tiffany Eckhardt of Flown the Coop for helping them decide to open a business in Burton.

“We’ve already seen a buzz of interest and support,” the couple said. “It takes a community to make a business successful and the local reaction thus far, makes us feel we picked the right place to make our dream a reality.”